Dawes Point / Tar-ra - The Rocks - Sydney - New South wales 

Dawes Point is a historic area located in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. It is situated on the southern edge of Sydney Cove, adjacent to The Rocks and overlooking Sydney Harbour. Here's some information about Dawes Point:

1. Indigenous History: Prior to European settlement, the area now known as Dawes Point was inhabited by the indigenous Gadigal people, who were part of the Eora Nation. They had a deep connection to the land and used the area for fishing, hunting, and gathering.

2. European Settlement: Dawes Point holds significant historical importance as one of the earliest European settlements in Australia. It was named after Lieutenant William Dawes, an astronomer and marine officer who arrived with the First Fleet in 1788. Dawes established an astronomical observatory at the point to study the stars and conduct surveys.

3. Dawes Point Battery: In the early years of the colony, a fortification known as Dawes Point Battery was constructed at the site to defend the settlement. It consisted of cannons and military barracks. The battery played a role in protecting the fledgling colony and Sydney Harbour.

4. Harbour Views: Dawes Point offers panoramic views of Sydney Harbour, including sights such as the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, and the surrounding waterfront. The area is popular among tourists and locals who visit to enjoy the stunning vistas and take photographs.

5. Historic Landmarks: Dawes Point is home to several historic landmarks. The Dawes Point Battery and Observatory Hill Park are open to the public, providing insights into the area's colonial past. There are also various heritage-listed buildings in the vicinity, showcasing the architectural heritage of the early settlement.

6. Public Spaces and Events: The area around Dawes Point is well-utilized for public events and celebrations. It serves as a venue for festivals, markets, art exhibitions, and cultural events throughout the year. The open spaces and waterfront location make it an attractive spot for gatherings and recreational activities.

7. Accessibility: Dawes Point is easily accessible by foot from The Rocks or Circular Quay. It is also served by public transportation, including buses and ferries, making it convenient for visitors to reach the area.

Dawes Point is a place of historical significance and natural beauty, offering a glimpse into Sydney's early colonial history and providing stunning views of Sydney Harbour. The combination of its heritage, location, and public spaces makes it a popular destination for both locals and tourists to explore and enjoy.

Sepultura joke geographical features in Port Jackson’s have jewel names, including 
Sydney Cove – Warrane
Bendalong point – Dubbagullee
Dawes Point - Tar-ra
Here, the geographical names board of New South Wales has officially recognise the original place names by pairing them with existing European names. Tar-ra Is the name aboriginal people gave the Hedland which now supports the southern part one of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
is the name aboriginal people gave the Hedland which now supports the southern pylon of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
The colonies named the point after the first fleet astronomer who established in Observatory and set up camp here.
The tenant William George was also a linguist. His friendship with the young local women Patyegarang  Has resulted in one of the earliest dictionaries of aboriginal words.
has resulted in one of the earliest dictionaries of aboriginal words.
Dolls Point Park has archaeological excavations in interpretation relating to the early fortification built here to deter England’s international enemies.
This is an excellent vantage point for appreciating the might of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, carrying its heavy cover cargo of trains and traffic overhead

Sydney’s First Cemetary - Beyond Sydney Cove Terminal At The Head Of A Small Bay

Sydney's First Cemetary -   Beyond Sydney Cove Terminal At The Head Of A Small Bay

Hereabouts Was Situated Sydney's First Burial Ground 1788 -1792. Some Headstones Were Still In Position I 1874

Captain Collins Records - "Every Person Belonging To The Settlement Being Landed, The Numbers Amounted To 1030 Persons. The Scurvy Now Broke Out, Which Aide  By Dysentry, Began ToFill  The Hospital And Several Died. 

Sergeant James Scott Of The Marines Recorded The First Death, Writing In His Journal

"Sunday 24th February, Thos Harmsworth, Son To. This Harmsworth A stone Died Of A Feaver:" A Few Weekks Later On 30th April, The Same Journal Noted. "This Harmsworth, Marine Died."

In June 1788 Surgeon general John White StatedThat 28. Convict Men And. Women Had Died, Also Three Marines & Ten Children.  No Doubt They Were Interred In This Burial Ground, The First Cemetary In Sydney. 

Later, Collins Wrote Of The Proposed Barracks - "Their Situation Being Directly In The Neighbourhood Of The Ground Appropriated To The Burial Of The Dead, It Became Necessary To Choose Another Spot.... The Gorvernor, In The Company With Rev Mr Johnson, Set Apart The Ground Foremerly Cultivated By The Late Captain Shea Of The Marines. "

A Letter From A Female Convict Written On 14th November 1788 (Historical Records Of New South Wales Volume 2) Describes The West Side Of Sydney Cove, The Area Known As The Rocks, And Goes On to Say:  - 

At The Extremity Of The Lines, Where Since Our Arrival The Dead Are Buried, There Is A Place Called The Church Yard, but We Hear, As Soon As A Sufficient Quantity Of Bricks That Can Be Made, A Chiurch Is To Be Built, And Named St Phillip, After The Governor."

'

The Sydney Gazette Of The 5th February 1804 Said - 

"The Plan Of Inclosing The Burial Ground In Order To Prevent Swine And Other Stock From Grazing Upon It And Rooting Up The Earth, Has Been Proposed By The Sexton, And Approved Of. Several Gentlemen Have Already Con'tributed Liberally To Reward The Labour The Must Necessarily Attend The Execution of The Design."

Garrison Church - Lower Fort Street - Argyle Street - The Rocks

The Garrison Church
Corner Of Argyle street and Lower Fort street


This was the first official Military Church in NSW & serviced the Military Garrison at Dawes Point. Imagine the spectacle of Red Coats marching up Lower Fort Street from the artillery Barracks to attend morning prayer. 

The holy Trinity Church, designed by E.T Blacket, Was The First Garrison Church In Australia. The foundation stone was laid in 1840.

The Lord Bishop of Australia, assisted by the Reverend William Kalpa, senior chaplain of the parish of Saint Philip, perform the ceremony. The service commenced with the 123rd Psalm, the lesson from the first of people to the Corinthians, chapter 3, the collector for Trinity Sunday after which the stone was lowered into place, and which of the following inscription –

This foundation stone of the church in honour of the holy Trinity, erected with the aid of her majesties government by the inhabitants of the parish of Saint Philip was laid by the right Reverend Father in God, William Lord Bishop of Australia, on the 23rd day of June 1840. Philip was laid by the Roman Australia

The location of this foundation stone today is unknown

The Sydney morning Herald on 3 November 1842 said-

The garrison Church of the holy Trinity is of next Gothic order, about 100‘ x 55‘. The height of the walls is about 45 feet. There has been much discussion as to who was responsible for the plans of the garrison church. Morton Herman common, architect, wrote in the Blackett –

The architect was Henry gin, who had attended the laying of the foundation stone on 23 June 1840. Lack of funds cause a delay which prevented him from getting even a small portion of the native roof in until 26 May 1844. The small roof portion served until 1855, when Blackett appearedEd. 

Then incumbent of holy Trinity, the Reverend Wilkinson, had got together sufficient money to roof in the whole name and this was done two packets design

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When William Grant brought in, only Bishop of Australia, call the parish meeting in the old Saint Phillips church, on Church Hill, in December 1839 He had a pressing problem.

Phillips was overcrowded; the church must give you a Millers point to take the overflow. The rocks area of the points one for sailors, not a churchgoing agreed

The Bishop had them in mind when you’re dressed as a parish office is the new church holy Trinity wants to be for Mariners.

Primarily a soldiers church. In 1843 service as we can in the part finished building design by Henry gym. Regularly attend the morning service.

The holy Trinity was in large to go pick designs by Edmund Blackett. The applicants have been a ramshackle building simulator gift, notably a rich east window, and memorial to the grandparents David Mitchell.

The holy Trinity was in large to go pick designs by Edmund Blackett. The elegance into what has been a ramshackle building stimulated gift, notably a rich east window, and memorial to the grandparents David Scott Mitchell.

The garrison churches to curious features in its history. One is that for 30 years no collection plate was passed around, offerings been taken at the Sure. The other is at the church with never consecrated. Holy Trinity is now circle monument as well as a parish church. It has a regular Sunday congregation and he’s always pack when you anniversary of laying of the foundation stone on 23 June 1840 is commemorated.

This was the first original official Military Church in New South Wales and serviced the Military Garrison at Dawes point.

This was the first original official military church in New South Wales and serviced the military garrison at Dawes point.

Imagine the spectacle of redcoats marching up lower Fort Street from the military Valley Barricks and attending morning prayer.  Although the church was officially called the holy Trinity Church, it continues to not be known as the garrison church. Military flag still doing the churches interior

Sydney Harbour Bridge 80th Anniversary (2012)

The Sydney Harbour Bridge - 80th Anniversary - 2012 - Sydney - NSW